MANILA, Philippines?The directorial tandem of Veronical Velasco and Pablo Biglang-awa of ?Inang Yaya? fame was with us when we watched the shooting of Lee Meily?s short film, ?Ang Kapatid Kong Nagpupumilit Makita si Ricky Davao.? Velasco goes solo with the forthcoming Cinemalaya entry, ?Last Supper No. 3,? a social commentary based on a real-life advertising person (played by Joey Paras) who went thorugh hell in an effort to understand the country?s justice system.

Roni explains, ?Ever since I heard the story of production designer, Winston Acuyong, losing a ?Last Supper? prop in 2003, sinubaybayan ko siya. I?ve been wanting to tell his story ever since. I went to the scene of the crime and got hold of all the court records.?

Logistics

Laurice Guillen was on hand to guide Cinemalaya?s latest batch of filmmakers. ?She told me to turn the odds to my favor. Because indies shoot so fast, we have to be prepared with the logistics. If it rains during the shoot, we have to use it to our advantage. You don?t enjoy the luxury of time,? Velasco notes.

Roni was with NBN-4?s news and public affairs department before becoming a line producer for Unitel. She shares: ?It?s hard to assert one?s authority in a predominantly male setup. But, when you have the support of your staff, the job is easier. This may be my first solo feature, but Pablo is there to support me. He?s involved in postproduction.?

How different is it working with big stars from directing unknown actors? ?Unknown performers use a different approach in characterization. Their performances may be good but you have to guide them. Most big stars are take-one artists, and the way they prepare amazes me.? (Maricel Soriano has a notable cameo in the movie.)

Difficult undertaking

Velasco notes how people have been so accommodating with this year?s Cinemalaya entries. She beams: ?Many people are willing to help us. Some of them provide locations for free, and a number of talents don?t charge for their services. They understand that filmmaking isn?t easy. I truly admire anybody who attempts to make a movie, because it?s a difficult undertaking!?